Fredericks set for Makos' milestone

Makos loose forward Vernon Fredericks is poised to bring up a notable milestone on Saturday.

The versatile loose forward has been named in Tasman's starting line-up to play Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, giving him the opportunity to make his 50th appearance for the country's newest provincial rugby union.

Fredericks has battled his fair share of adversity since he made his debut in 2010, particularly a potentially career-ending problem in 2015.

After being concussed in a club game in April, doctors discovered a two centimetre cyst in his brain and operated immediately. By August he had recovered sufficiently to be named in the Makos playing side, making a powerful return off the bench against Manawatu and providing one of the feel-good stories of the season.

The 26-year-old, from Marlborough's Moutere club, made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders earlier this season.

Fredericks has been included in a similar Makos team to that which overcame Wellington 37-35 in Blenheim on Sunday. The only change to the starting line-up sees lock Quinten Strange return to the middle row after a few weeks off with illness. The versatile Shannon Frizell shifts to the bench.

At this stage prop Tim Perry has been named, although his availability depends on the requirements of the All Blacks who the experienced loosehead has been training with this week.